Claims Five | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/series/claims-five
Putting the racing world to rights in five easy stages, every Fridayen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Sun, 02 Aug 2015 23:56:46 GMT2015-08-02T23:56:46Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
Claims Five: Where the BHA went wrong over the whip | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/oct/14/claims-five-bha-whip-mistakes
Racing is in crisis on the eve of Ascot's Champions Day, the most valuable card ever staged in Britain. How has this happened?<p>If you take 10 months over a single task, the result had better not unravel in four days. Alas for the British Horseracing Authority, their new rules on whip use (drawn up after much pondering) have caused an almighty storm which appears very damaging to the sport's image and to their own reputation for competence, such as it was.</p><p>The review process is more secret than might be expected – I was politely rebuffed when asking who had given evidence – but I think it is possible to identify a number of wrong turns for which the BHA is at least largely responsible.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/oct/14/claims-five-bha-whip-mistakes">Continue reading...</a>British Horseracing AuthorityHorse racingSportAnimal welfareWorld newsWhip rulesFri, 14 Oct 2011 12:13:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/oct/14/claims-five-bha-whip-mistakesAlan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesRichard Hughes, blue colours, in the starting stalls at Doncaster. The jockey has led protests over the new whip rules. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesAlan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesRichard Hughes, blue colours, in the starting stalls at Doncaster. The high-profile jockey has led protests over the new whip rules Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesChris Cook2011-10-14T12:13:06ZClaims Five: Outsiders who were placed in the Arc | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/sep/30/claims-five-placed-arc-outsiders
If you're looking for value in Sunday's race, these five are your most recent precedents for horses who ran above their odds<p>In Derby week, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/jun/03/claims-five-derby-epsom" title="">I had a look at outsiders who had been placed in recent runnings of the race</a>. It proved timely, as the pattern was of Aidan O'Brien-trained front-runners getting a soft lead on fast ground and just keeping on to the line, as Treasure Beach did this year.</p><p>So here's a similar exercise for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, to be run at Longchamp on Sunday. Below are the last five horses to make the first three at odds of 20-1 or bigger.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/sep/30/claims-five-placed-arc-outsiders">Continue reading...</a>Prix de l'Arc de TriompheHorse racingSportFri, 30 Sep 2011 14:55:19 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/sep/30/claims-five-placed-arc-outsidersAlan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesNakayama Festa is just held off by Workforce in last year’s Arc. The Japanese raider was available to back at 25-1. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesAlan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesNakayama Festa is just held off by Workforce in last year’s Arc. The Japanese raider was available to back at 25-1. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesChris Cook2011-09-30T14:55:19ZClaims Five: Why does a broken leg mean the end for a horse? | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/sep/23/claims-five-broken-leg-horse
Senior vets explain why it is often impossible to save an animal after an injury that would hardly ever threaten a human's life<p>Nothing undermines horse racing than the fact that its heroes may suffer a fatal injury at any moment. It doesn't even need a hurdle or a steeplechase fence; one false step, one misplaced hoof may be all it takes for a bone to break in such a way that the horse cannot be saved.</p><p>Racehorses are incredibly tough animals, brave, hardy and durable. At the same time, in the wrong combination of circumstances, they may as well be made of glass.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/sep/23/claims-five-broken-leg-horse">Continue reading...</a>Horse racingSportFri, 23 Sep 2011 11:34:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/sep/23/claims-five-broken-leg-horseAlan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesHarbinger’s last race in the 2010 King George. Two weeks later, he fractured a cannon bone on the gallops but the injury, happily, was not serious enough to threaten his life.
Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesAlan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesHarbinger’s last race in the 2010 King George. Two weeks later, he fractured a cannon bone on the gallops but the injury, happily, was not serious enough to threaten his life.
Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesChris Cook2011-09-23T11:34:03ZClaims Five: Welcome to British racing, Paul Bittar | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/sep/16/claims-five-welcome-paul-bittar
Some words of advice for the new chief executive of the sport's ruling body, who will shortly arrive from his home in Australia<p>The cavalry is coming and its name is Paul Bittar. That, at least, is the name of racing's newest leader, an Australian who will become chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority in the new year. I've jotted down some thoughts for you, Paul, just to offer a flavour of the joy that awaits.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/sep/16/claims-five-welcome-paul-bittar">Continue reading...</a>British Horseracing AuthorityHorse racingSportPaul BittarFri, 16 Sep 2011 11:48:48 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/sep/16/claims-five-welcome-paul-bittarTom JenkinsFrankel's pre-eminence means this is a golden era for British racing although the BHA's new leader Paul Bittar still has plenty to address. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianTom JenkinsFrankel's pre-eminence means this is a golden era for British racing although the BHA's new leader Paul Bittar still has plenty to address. Photograph: Tom JenkinsChris Cook2011-09-16T11:48:48ZClaims Five: Why the ailing St Leger should change | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/sep/09/claims-five-st-leger-problems
The Doncaster Classic is a shadow of its former self. How has this happened and what can be done to make it matter again?<p>The oldest Classic is a little poorly. It struggles on, hoping no one will notice, but can no longer achieve things that used to be straightforward, like attracting Derby winners.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/sep/09/claims-five-st-leger-problems">Continue reading...</a>St LegerHorse racingSportFri, 09 Sep 2011 14:47:39 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/sep/09/claims-five-st-leger-problemsAlan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesThe winner of last year's St Leger. Can you name him or any of the other horses in the picture? Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesAlan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesThe winner of last year's St Leger. Can you name him or any of the other horses in the picture? Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesChris Cook2011-09-09T14:47:39ZClaims Five: This year's champ? | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jul/15/claims-five-chris-cook
Racing fans are knee-deep in talented horses this summer. Which of them will have the biggest name in four months' time?<p>It's high summer. We're at the mid-point of a Flat season that has seemed to produce a lot more in the way of high-class horses than we usually get. By November, the odds are that one of them will be recognised as the most thrilling of the bunch, the horse that racing fans will associate with 2011.</p><p>But who will it be? We're spoilt for choice. At this point two years ago, Sea The Stars was already the only game in town. Last July, Workforce could have been on his way to greatness (until the King George) but you'd have struggled to make that case about many others.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jul/15/claims-five-chris-cook">Continue reading...</a>FrankelHorse racingSportFri, 15 Jul 2011 09:41:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jul/15/claims-five-chris-cookAlan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesIf Frankel wins a couple more races in the style of his Guineas success, all of this year's other horses will disappear into the background. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesAlan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesIf Frankel wins a couple more races in the style of his Guineas success, all of this year's other horses will disappear into the background. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesChris Cook2011-07-15T09:41:07ZClaims Five: The Quinlans and their surprisingly well-backed winners | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jul/08/claims-five-quinlans-surprising-winners
Michael and Noel Quinlan make a habit of winning low-grade races with horses fancied despite a lack of recent form<p>A winner at Wolverhampton on Tuesday caught my eye (after the race, alas). He was trained by Noel Quinlan, brother of Michael. The two men are based in Newmarket and have had some high-profile successes, winning the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot and the Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival, but mostly it seems that they are incredibly dangerous with well-backed runners in low-quality handicaps.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jul/08/claims-five-quinlans-surprising-winners">Continue reading...</a>Horse racingSportFri, 08 Jul 2011 13:01:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jul/08/claims-five-quinlans-surprising-winnersTom Jenkins/GuardianWolverhampton racecourse, where the Quinlans have had some success in low-quality races with their horses. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianTom Jenkins/GuardianWolverhampton racecourse, where the Quinlans have had some success in low-quality races with horses who had seemed to lose their form. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianChris Cook2011-07-08T13:01:13ZClaims Five: Derby winners who came back for more | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jul/01/claims-five-derby-winners-came-back
When Workforce runs in the Eclipse, the idea of keeping a Derby winner in training as a four-year-old will be on trial<p>When Workforce runs in the Eclipse at Sandown tomorrow, we should get a pretty good idea as to whether it was a good idea to keep him in training at the age of four. It was a very sporting decision by Khalid Abdullah, his owner, and it will be a pity if he does not profit by it.</p><p>The signs are not all that promising. Workforce was favourite when the bookies opened their markets but they have been deluged with cash for So You Think, the ex-Aussie with the huge reputation. The race distance is probably a bit short for Workforce, whose stable hasn't had a winner in more than a fortnight.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jul/01/claims-five-derby-winners-came-back">Continue reading...</a>Horse racingWorkforceSportFri, 01 Jul 2011 10:02:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jul/01/claims-five-derby-winners-came-backMartyn Hayhow/AFP/Getty ImagesSir Percy, far right, was the last Derby winner to stay in training as a four-year-old but he never won again after his moment of glory at Epsom. Photograph: Martyn Hayhow/AFP/Getty ImagesMartyn Hayhow/AFP/Getty ImagesSir Percy was the last Derby winner to stay in training as a four-year-old but he never won again after his moment of glory at Epsom. Photograph: John Walton/Empics Photograph: Martyn Hayhow/AFP/Getty ImagesChris Cook2011-07-01T10:02:00ZClaims Five: The Brits who won the Irish Derby | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jun/24/claims-five-brits-won-irish-derby
The Queen's Carlton House is favourite to do what no horse from this island has managed in 17 years<p>Here's a stat for the consideration of anyone who has helped make Carlton House the 11-8 favourite for Sunday's Irish Derby: it is 17 years since the race was won by a horse trained in Britain. You have to go all the way back to a (very dark) time when John Major was prime minister, Wet Wet Wet were No1 and Aidan O'Brien had held his training licence for barely 12 months.</p><p>I blame the bloodstock industry and the increasing importance it places on speed, which means winners of the Epsom Derby are these days more likely to be aimed at the Eclipse than the Irish race, in an attempt to prove they can cut it over 10 furlongs as well as 12.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jun/24/claims-five-brits-won-irish-derby">Continue reading...</a>Horse racingAidan O'BrienCarlton HouseSportSir Henry CecilSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al MaktoumFri, 24 Jun 2011 10:16:19 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jun/24/claims-five-brits-won-irish-derbyBatchelo Barry Batchelor/PAA youthful Aidan O'Brien in 2000. His dominance of the Irish Classics has surely been a factor in discouraging British trainers from trying their luck. Photograph: Batchelo Barry Batchelor/PABatchelo Barry Batchelor/PAA youthful Aidan O'Brien in 2000. His dominance of the Irish Classics has surely been a factor in discouraging British trainers from trying their luck. Photograph: Batchelo Barry Batchelor/PAChris Cook2011-06-24T10:16:19ZClaims Five: 300 years of Ascot chatter | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jun/11/claims-five-ascot
The Queen's track, which will host the Royal meeting next week, is celebrating its tercentenary. We present our contribution to the festivities<p>About this time last year, I wrote <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/jun/11/claims-five-horse-racing-royal-ascot" title="">a rather mean-spirited piece</a> about Royal Ascot, but, despite my many reservations, the racing that will take place when it comes round again next week will be extraordinarily good. And, for all the attendant fripperies, I love the track and have never seen a dull day's racing there.</p><p>In August, it will be 300 years since the first race meeting took place on the famous heath. To mark the occasion, here are five conversations through the centuries that have helped to make Ascot what it is today.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jun/11/claims-five-ascot">Continue reading...</a>Horse racingSportSat, 11 Jun 2011 10:22:43 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jun/11/claims-five-ascotRebecca Naden/PA Archive/Press Association ImaIf Queen Anne had had a headache that day, 300 years of racing history may never have happened. Photograph: Rebecca Naden/PA Archive/Press Association ImaRebecca Naden/PA Archive/Press Association ImaIf Queen Anne had had a headache that day, 300 years of racing history may never have happened. Photograph: Rebecca Naden/PA Archive/Press Association ImaChris Cook2011-06-11T10:22:43ZClaims Five: Outsiders who were placed in the Derby | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jun/03/claims-five-derby-epsom
Recent winners have been returned at uniformly short prices but some unexpected horses have sneaked into the places <br /><p>It is, of course, madness to stage your most important Classic race around a course like Epsom, with its wild undulations and the ridiculous camber that runs the length of the home straight. But we've always done it, so here we are again, revelling in a tradition that is unique because no other country would ever choose such a site for a major racecourse.</p><p>Nor does it do to be too critical of the layout because, however unfair a test it might seem to present, &quot;the best horse usually wins&quot;, as any doubters are continually assured. Certainly, the race has been free of freak-seeming winners in recent years; not one of the last 10 started at bigger than 6-1.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jun/03/claims-five-derby-epsom">Continue reading...</a>The DerbyHorse racingSportFri, 03 Jun 2011 11:51:44 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jun/03/claims-five-derby-epsomToby Melville / Reuters/REUTERSAt First Sight was 100-1 last year but only one of his rivals could get past him after he was allowed to set a steady pace. Photograph: Toby Melville /ReutersToby Melville / Reuters/REUTERSAt First Sight was 100-1 last year but only one of his rivals could get past him after he was allowed to set a steady pace. Photograph: Toby Melville / Reuters/REUTERSChris Cook2011-06-03T11:51:44ZClaims Five: More great things about Overdose | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/may/20/claims-five-overdose
Will Hungary's horse hose up at Haydock? It's hard not to cheer for the enigmatic, almost unbeaten Budapest Bullet<p>Overdose is pretty ordinary to look at, which is presumably why he fetched no more than 2,000 guineas when sold at auction as a yearling. But his career has been extraordinary, a string of 15 wins broken only by a single, entirely excusable defeat last summer. He is beloved in his home country, Hungary, and widely seen as their best racehorse since Kincsem, who came to England in the 19th century and won the Goodwood Cup.</p><p>On Saturday, Overdose will make his British debut in the Temple Stakes at Haydock. If you have any liking for horse racing and more than an ounce of romance in your soul, you will tune in and cheer for him.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/may/20/claims-five-overdose">Continue reading...</a>Horse racingSportFri, 20 May 2011 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/may/20/claims-five-overdoseBela Szandelszky/APOverdose, with jockey Zoltan Oszteny, in a training ground in Dunakeszi, Hungary. Photograph: Bela Szandelszky/APBela Szandelszky/APOverdose, with jockey Zoltan Oszteny, in a training ground in Dunakeszi, Hungary. Photograph: Bela Szandelszky/APChris Cook2011-05-20T12:24:00ZClaims Five: Punchestown memories | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/may/13/punchestown-memories-irish-horse-racing
With some of the sport's biggest names and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, the Irish festival made a big impression<p>Last week, I made my first visit to Punchestown and you will hardly be surprised to learn that I urge you to go if you have any fondness for jump racing. Heck, I'd have urged you to go anyway, but now I can do so with a bit more authority, having actually seen it.</p><p>There is no pretension about matching Cheltenham or Aintree for depth of quality, but some of the very biggest names in the sport (horses, jockeys and trainers) are there. It's a bit like watching Italy and Brazil have a kickabout in the park on the day after the World Cup final.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/may/13/punchestown-memories-irish-horse-racing">Continue reading...</a>Horse racingSportKauto StarFri, 13 May 2011 11:32:25 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/may/13/punchestown-memories-irish-horse-racingNiall Carson/PAHorses clear the water in the Kildare Hunt Club Fr Sean Breen Memorial Chase during the Punchestown Festival. Photograph: Niall Carson/PANiall Carson/PAHorses clear the water in the Kildare Hunt Club Fr Sean Breen Memorial Chase during the Punchestown Festival. Photograph: Niall Carson/PAChris Cook2011-05-13T11:32:25ZIf this is farewell Kauto Star, it's time to salute him | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/may/06/claims-five-farewell-kauto-star
His sad exit from Punchestown this week has perhaps confirmed the end of the road for one of the greatest steeplechasers<p>It was shocking to see Kauto Star dropping out of the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown this week, on his way to being pulled up for the very first time. Setting aside the occasions when he has fallen or unseated, the great chaser has finished third or better in every single race for more than seven years.</p><p>Yes, he is better than this, even now, at the age of 11. But he is also made newly vulnerable by age and all our experience tells us that he will only get more so with time. If he returns to the track in the autumn, there must be every chance that he will do something similar.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/may/06/claims-five-farewell-kauto-star">Continue reading...</a>Kauto StarHorse racingSportFri, 06 May 2011 11:28:53 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/may/06/claims-five-farewell-kauto-starTom Jenkins/Tom JenkinsThe sun is setting on the career of Kauto Star, here winning the 2008 King George VI Chase at Kempton Park. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian.Tom Jenkins/Tom JenkinsThe sun is setting on the career of Kauto Star, here winning the 2008 King George VI Chase at Kempton Park. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian.Chris Cook2011-05-06T11:28:53ZClaims Five: Flopping favourites in the 2,000 Guineas | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/apr/29/claims-five-guineas-favourites
From Celtic Swing to St Nicholas Abbey, punters have had their hearts broken by some very disappointing horses at Newmarket<p>It used to be a very pleasant feeling, being so excited about a race that I couldn't hold my binoculars steady. If it was the Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Grand National, I may as well have been watching from inside a washing machine, at least until they'd gone half a mile and I'd calmed down a bit.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/apr/29/claims-five-guineas-favourites">Continue reading...</a>Frankel2,000 GuineasHorse racingSportSport bettingFri, 29 Apr 2011 09:00:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/apr/29/claims-five-guineas-favouritesSean Dempsey/PANew Approach, green colours, who was a beaten favourite in the 2,000 Guineas, was a nervous sort like Frankel. Photograph: Sean Dempsey/PASean Dempsey/PANew Approach, green colours, was a nervous sort like Frankel who was a beaten favourite in the 2,000 Guineas. Photograph: Sean Dempsey/PAChris Cook2011-04-29T09:00:03ZClaims Five: Outsiders with a chance in the Grand National | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/apr/08/claims-five-outsiders-grand-national
Your views are likely to have crystallised around the favourites, so take a moment to consider the claims of some runners at 33-1 or bigger<p>There's been a fair bit of Grand National coverage in this slot. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2011/apr/01/grand-national-aintree-claims-five" title="Why I love the National">Here you can read about what makes it so brilliant</a>, while <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2011/mar/25/grey-horses-grand-national" title="Greys in the National">here is a bit about the surprisingly awful record of grey horses</a> (not recommended reading for those of you who think the colour of a horse's pelt is a subject undeserving of your attention). Last year, I wrote about <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2010/apr/09/grand-national-first-fence-fallers" title="First-fence fallers in the National">some of the high-profile horses who have fallen at the first fence</a> and gave <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2010/apr/02/grand-national-claims-five" title="Key stats for the National">some key stats</a>.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/apr/08/claims-five-outsiders-grand-national">Continue reading...</a>Grand National 2011Grand NationalHorse racing tipsHorse racingSportFri, 08 Apr 2011 10:25:23 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/apr/08/claims-five-outsiders-grand-nationalScott Heavey/Action ImagesComply Or Die, winner of the 2008 Grand National, could sneak a place at 50-1 in this year's race. Photograph: Scott Heavey/Action ImagesScott Heavey/Action ImagesComply Or Die, winner of the 2008 Grand National, could sneak a place at 50-1 in this year's race. Photograph: Scott Heavey/Action ImagesChris Cook2011-04-08T10:25:23ZClaims Five: Why I love the Grand National | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/apr/01/grand-national-aintree-claims-five
Purists may cavil at the quality of the field for the famous Aintree race each year but there are reasons why it is so popular<p>You can read April fools' gags elsewhere but this column is, as ever, in terrible earnest. I love the Grand National and am thrilled to be poring over the form for it once more, looking for the unconsidered slowcoach who could be inspired by the challenge.</p><p>I detect the odd purist tendency in myself these days, including in my choice of favourite race. That wouldn't be the National any more, but it was once and my enthusiasm for the sport may never have warmed up beyond tepid interest if it had not been for Aintree.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/apr/01/grand-national-aintree-claims-five">Continue reading...</a>Grand NationalGrand National 2011Horse racingSportFri, 01 Apr 2011 11:33:19 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/apr/01/grand-national-aintree-claims-fiveTom Jenkins/GuardianFor nine minutes, there is a delicious confusion about what is happening in the Grand National, even for some of the commentators. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianTom Jenkins/GuardianFor nine minutes, there is a delicious confusion about what is happening in the Grand National, even for some of the commentators. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianChris Cook2011-04-01T11:33:19ZClaims Five: Greys in the Grand National | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/mar/25/grey-horses-grand-national
The famous Aintree race is more than 170 years old but only two grey horses have ever passed the winning post in front<p>Baronet, Ross Comm, Strong Resolve, Beat The Boys, What's Up Boys, and those are just the names I remember off the top of my head. Greys I have backed in the Grand National, a surprisingly long list. I may also have had a few quid on Son Of War or Double Honour, Pukka Major or Smith's Man.</p><p>On reflection, it seems more likely that I should drive a car through a plate glass window than that a grey horse should win the National, on the basis that the first of these things has happened during my lifetime. Today is the 50th anniversary of the last occasion when a grey won the National and yet I can remember plenty of fine grey steeplechasers. Why is Aintree glory nearly always denied them?</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/mar/25/grey-horses-grand-national">Continue reading...</a>Horse racingSportGrand NationalGrand National 2011Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:43:31 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/mar/25/grey-horses-grand-nationalTom Jenkins/Tom JenkinsAnother black day for greys. King Johns Castle refuses to start in last year's Grand National. Photograph: Tom JenkinsTom Jenkins/Tom JenkinsAnother black day for greys. King Johns Castle refuses to start in last year's Grand National. Photograph: Tom JenkinsChris Cook2011-03-25T12:43:31ZClaims Five: Cheltenham Festival bets at juicy prices | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/mar/11/cheltenham-festival-bets
Never mind the annual hunt for a 'good thing', there are bound to be winners at double-figure odds<p>I hope there's nothing going on in your life. In case you hadn't noticed, it's the Cheltenham Festival next week and, if you're the least bit interested in horse racing, this is an event that demands all of your concentration.</p><p>We have spent months in the build-up but it will be over before you know it. Do you want to be like Diamond Harry or Riverside Theatre, going through an age of preparation only to miss out on the whole point?</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/mar/11/cheltenham-festival-bets">Continue reading...</a>Cheltenham FestivalCheltenhamHorse racingSportFri, 11 Mar 2011 12:13:16 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/mar/11/cheltenham-festival-betsPAQaspal, above left, hasn’t been seen since winning last year’s Imperial Cup but he is reported in good health and is handicapped to follow up at the Festival. Photograph: Steve Parsons/PAPAQaspal, above left, hasn't been seen since winning last year's Imperial Cup but he is reported in good health and is handicapped to follow up at the Festival. Photograph: Steve Parsons/PAChris Cook2011-03-11T12:13:16ZClaims Five: The first ever Cheltenham Festival review | Chris Cookhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/mar/04/claims-five-2011-cheltenham-festival
Our distinguished panel explain which horses you should have backed for the best week in jumps racing<p><strong>DAVE GRINNE </strong>(him off the telly): Welcome, everybody, to our first annual Cheltenham Festival review. The number of preview panels has multiplied to the point where they're not really much help any more, because you hear so many contrasting opinions, so we decided to postpone ours until after all the races had been run in the hope of helping you to digest what happened. A major difference with the previews is that, tonight, all drinks will be paid for by the major high street bookies out of the astonishing profits they racked up over the four days. I think they're hoping that, if we get pissed enough, no one will learn anything and we'll repeat all our mistakes next year. So remember, folks, it's not a pint; it's an investment in the future health of Britain's betting industry. We have a fabulous panel here to enlighten you. Say hello, guys.</p><p><strong>TONY McCOY:</strong> Hullo.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/mar/04/claims-five-2011-cheltenham-festival">Continue reading...</a>Cheltenham FestivalCheltenhamHorse racingSportFri, 04 Mar 2011 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/mar/04/claims-five-2011-cheltenham-festivalTom Jenkins/Tom JenkinsKauto Star, right, and Denman. Neither of them, alas, turned out to be the winner of the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the GuardianTom Jenkins/Tom JenkinsKauto Star, right, and Denman. Neither of them, alas, turned out to be the winner of the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Photograph: Tom JenkinsChris Cook2011-03-04T10:00:00Z